Thriving barbecue joint started as food truck

Amanda Kerr/Daily Press Bill and Kerry Law, who are father and son, own the… (Amanda Kerr, Daily Press )

September 26, 2013|By Amanda Kerr, akerr@dailypress.com

POQUOSON — When you think about Poquoson you don't often think about food trucks, flame motifs or fiery barbecue. Virginia Beach native Kerry Law has managed to bring all of those things to the waterfront city with his restaurant Bull Island Barbecue.

Law first fell in love with Poquoson after Hurricane Isabel when he spent time helping a friend in the city and saw the strong spirit of the city's residents, many of whom suffered serious losses in the storm. When he decided to move back to Hampton Roads last year after living in Colorado for nine years, Law chose to live and work in Poquoson.

Although his most recent work has been in automotive finance, Law is a trained chef with Johnson & Wales. He settled on doing barbecue to stand apart in a city known for its Seafood.

Law initially launched his concept last November, operating as a food truck on Wythe Creek Road. Word of his barbecue spread and after regularly selling out, Law opened a permanent location at Messick Point in July. The Bull Island Barbecue food truck is now used for special events and fundraisers.

The restaurant building — a metal structure built on the foundation of an old oyster house — looks something like an airplane hangar combined with a tiki bar. A flame motif is painted on the front of the restaurant along with a sign that reads "Smokin' Allowed," a nod to the spicy barbecue served inside.

The menu features a different twist on barbecue with pecan smoked meat paired with a pineapple habanero sauce. Law, who owns Bull Island Barbecue with his father Bill Law, is already planning on expanding the menu to include Brunswick stew, chili, made-to-order burgers and wraps.

Law is also hoping to create a roof top bar on top of an old ice house behind the restaurant so that guests can enjoy the view of Plum Tree Island and Grandview.

Dave Callis, economic development director for Poquoson, said Bull Island Barbecue's location at Messick Point "dovetails" with the city's efforts to market itself as a waterfront destination. The restaurant is located near Port Messick which includes docks and a new bait and tackle shop. Another restaurant called Plum Tree Island Grill is also in the works to open as part of Port Messick.

Law feels good about what he's achieved in less than a year.

"I proved myself on what we do," he said.

Kerr can be reached by phone at 757-247-4733.

About Bull Island Barbecue

It's located at 435 Messick Road, Poquoson. For more information, go online to http://www.bullislandbbq.com.